Around the world, there are certain destinations that – for whatever reason – are regarded as unsafe to go to. Sometimes this is fair enough – it’d be ill-advised to go yachting off the coast of Somalia or embark on a winter sun tour through Afghanistan’s Helmand province.
But some of these perceived no-go zones are absolutely fine to visit, and the problems associated with them are largely myths based on over-hyped or out of date information.
With this in mind, we’ve picked out five destinations that are mystifyingly seen as places to avoid – and come up with some compelling reasons to go and pay a visit.
Samoa
The myth: It’s a wasteland after being wrecked by the September tsunami.
The tsunami was a tragedy for Samoa, but a greater problem for the country has been convincing tourists that it is open for business.
In truth, it was only the south coast on the island of ‘Upolu that was really badly affected. Resorts there have closed for rebuilding, but much of the best stuff is inland, on the north coast or – in particular – on the larger island of Savai’i.
Arguably, there’s never been a better time to visit. There are some absurdly cheap deals out there, while Samoa is fabulously varied destination.
It’s not as polished as some of the other Pacific Islands, and thus everyday life in on display. It’s possible to meld into a completely different culture, while the islands – particularly Savai’i – are naturally stunning. Expect ace beaches, mountainous rainforest, weird rock formations, pretty lagoons and plenty of odd natural phenomena such as the Alofaaga blowholes.
Iran
The myth: You’ll be killed by gun-toting Muslim fundamentalists.
George Bush has a lot to answer for. Almost every visitor to Iran comes back saying they had a great time and that the hospitality of the Iranians is unsurpassed by any place on earth. In this context, Bad Lands by Tony Wheeler, the founder of Lonely Planet, should be required reading.
Another important point is that Iran is not an Arabic country, and whilst it is certainly Muslim, many of the more intolerant practices associated with the likes of Saudi Arabia are nowhere to be seen.
Mexico
The myth: It’s a disease-ridden hellhole that might go all 28 Days Later on your ass at any second.
OK, so swine flu started here. But that doesn’t mean that every Mexican is a virulent, disease-spreading deathtrap.
Quite aside from the fact that swine flu has been overplayed enormously – and that ordinary flu kills far, far more people – Mexico’s swine flu numbers have been relatively minimal since the initial break-out.
Try telling that to the Americans, who have been shunning their usual trips south and crippling the Mexican tourism industry.
Those who do decide to make it can investigate awesome Mayan ruins, check out some of the best beaches in the world on the Caribbean coast, kick back in cute colonial towns or get caught up in the Mexico City whirlwind.
Montserrat
The myth: It’s buried under ash, and you might get subsumed by lava at any minute.
The Caribbean island of Montserrat doesn’t quite enjoy the sun, sand and cocktails reputation of its counterparts, and that’s largely because the Soufriere Hills volcano went ape between 1995 and 1998.
A series of eruptions laid waste to much of the island, including the capital city Plymouth, and thousands of residents were evacuated.
Around two-thirds of Montserrat is still a no-go zone and the volcano is still rather tempestuous. Hence most Caribbean island hoppers steer well clear.
But the volcano is precisely the reason you should visit – Montserrat is unique. Taxi tours can take you into the no-go zone during the day, giving heart-stopping views of the ruined capital from hilltop look outs. It’s also possible to visit the scientists at the Volcano Observatory and get an insight into what’s happening beneath the surface.
There are also great walking and diving opportunities from the third of the island that remains inhabited, while the people would have to be the friendliest on earth. It’s also the sort of place where you’re treated as a local if you go to the same bar twice.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
The myth: It’s one big minefield.
Say “Bosnia” to most people and it conjures up images of the Balkan wars of the 1990s. And, in particular, people hopping around on one leg after standing on a landmine.
This perception isn’t helped by guidebooks, who are obligated to mention that some mines haven’t been cleared up but in doing so completely overemphasise the problem.
As a general rule, unless you go skiing wildly off-piste or climbing over barbed wire fences in obscure locations, you’re not in any danger.
As for why you should visit, Sarajevo is currently one of the buzziest cities in Europe while the famous bridge of Mostar – one of the biggest symbols of the Bosnian war – has been rebuilt. Mostar is a gorgeous, Turkish-influenced town and would be buried in camera-wielding tourists if it was anywhere else.
This article was originally written for Ninemsn.
Copyright David Whitley
